Database administrators, sometimes called DBAs, help companies manage information databases. They also make sure that all customer data, such as addresses and credit card information, is safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. Database administrators usually have a bachelor's degree related to management information systems, and typically have several years of experience working as data analysts or database developers before becoming a DBA.

Average Wages and Salary

As of 2012, database administrators reported an average wage of $38.04 an hour to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, DBAs working in the U.S. earned $79,120 per year. Half of all database administrators reportedly received salaries ranging from $57,240 to $99,430 per year, and the highest-paid 10 percent of database administrators made $118,720 or more per year.

Pay by Industry

Database administrators work in a variety of industries. Those employed by securities and commodities brokerages earned more than those working in any other industry, an average of $96,180. Those employed by internet and mail-order stores averaged as much, $95,130 per year. DBAs employed by computer systems design firms earned an average of $86,020 per year, while those working for insurance carriers averaged $85,270. Database administrators employed by elementary and secondary schools reported one of the lowest average salaries, $64,780 per year.

Pay by Location

Many of the highest-paying states for DBAs were located on the East Coast, as of 2012. Virginia reported the highest average rate of pay, $91,460 per year. Other high-paying eastern states included New Jersey at $90,170, and Delaware at $87,280. On the West Coast, Washington reported a high average salary of $90,170 for DBAs, while those employed in California earned an average of $84,950 per year. DBAs working in the lowest-paying state, Mississippi, earned an average of $53,560 per year.

Job Outlook

Aspiring database administrators can expect favorable job prospects through 2020, according to estimates made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Businesses are under increasing pressure to keep private customer information safe from computer hackers. As a result, the number of DBAs employed in the United States is expected to increase by 31 percent between 2010 and 2020, creating an estimated 33,900 new positions. Many of these jobs are expected to be created in the fast-growing health care industry.